So many books about religion for children fall into one of two camps: written for followers of a particular belief system, or apparently so afraid of appearing to push a specific religion that they are encyclopedic in their presentation of that religion. And, since they are often written by people who don't subscribe to the belief system they are describing, they make errors that those from the religion find problematic. (I've felt that way about many books about Christianity, and Muslim friends have shared the same when I've asked their opinions on books about Islam for kids.)

Hence I am very excited about Khan's book about Ramadan. She combines her personal experiences both as a child and an adult, and she draws on descriptions from many other Muslims to show the wide cultural variations in how Muslims celebrate this central tenant of their faith.
She rightly is positive about what she believes, without suggesting others should change their beliefs. Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
Review based on an ARC received through Netgalley.

Ramadan, by Ausma Zehanat Khan, is part of the Orca Origins series for middle readers. As the title suggests, this book looks at the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Chapter One is titled 'What is Ramadan’, but may better be titled 'Introduction to Islam’, as it serves as a brief overview of the religion and it's followers. Chapter Two looks at the specifics of the holy month, while Chapter Three focuses on the spirit behind Ramadan. Chapter Four looks at Ramadan traditions from around the world. The beginning opens with a sweet tale of the author's first Ramadan fast, at age 9. Unprepared for the full reality of a day long fast, she snuck two glasses of water eight hours in.

This book introduces young readers to the proper practise of Islam, as a religion of peace and compassion, just like its counterparts of Judaism, and Christianity. It gives children a different view than what news, or paranoid family might present. Threaded throughout the chapters are little boxes where the author asked kids and teens what Ramadan meant to them. These were so heart-warming. I'm a big proponent of studying and accepting other cultures, and foster this respect in my cubs. This book certainly prompted questions, and made them eager to learn more. Recipes are included, and we plan on trying them out!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

“Ramadan” has some beautiful pictures! I learned a lot from the information in this book and I enjoyed the personal stories.

<p>It's. So. Beautiful.</p>

<p>The epub.</p>

<p>I am so used to getting epubs that aren't final versions or are final versions and just suck, with weird margins and fonts, and low-res images I can't make head nor tails of. <A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/20858971/book/153922490">Ramadan</a> by Ausma Zehanat Khan is just so beautiful and colourful and laid out in such a way that what I'm focusing on is the fact that someone, somewhere (I guess, to be specific, someone(s) at <a href="https://www.orcabook.com/">Orca Publishing</a>) knows how to make beautiful epubs.</p>

<p>So beautiful.</p>

<p>Content: A good introduction to Ramadan for kids, probably up to early high school. There are recipes (lassi, yay!) and information, but it's so beautiful it could have just been lorem ipsum text in parts because the pictures and layout, be still my graphic-design beating heart. It would be good for a classroom discussion, maybe taking the pressure off any Muslims to feel like they have to be ambassadors/educators to everyone else (I remember a classmate fasting for Ramadan for the first time growing weary of having to explain again and again and again).</p>

<p>But the beauty. It's so beautiful the book. It's worth it for the beauty alone.</p>

<p><A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/20858971/book/153922490">Ramadan</a> by Ausma Zehanat Khan went on sale March 27, 2018.</p>

<p><small>I received a copy free from <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a> in exchange for an honest review.</small></p>

Comprehensive eye-opening insider’s view of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is a time of fasting and celebration for Muslims around the world. While many non-Muslim children might be familiar with the concept of Ramadan, most would not be familiar with the details, and it’s the details and meaning behind Ramadan’s activities that are important. With all the negative publicity about Muslims and Islam, it’s fascinating to find such insight into one of their most religious activities. Not only do devout Muslims fast during Islam, they give extra to charity, share time with friends and family, have purposeful outreach to others within and outside of their community, and go out of their way to be kinder and more forgiving.

This book covers some of the basic tenets of Islam to help understand the holiday, covers the details of the month of Ramadan, and then covers the variations of the celebration in several countries. It is unfortunate that the press and society often paint Muslims with a broad brush based on a few bad elements. Just as every Christian, which is a related religion mentioned in the book, is not an intolerant hater, not every Muslim is a terrorist. I say that to point out that we often have preconceived prejudices against religions where a negative, non-representative element is disproportionately publicized. Unfortunately it’s true; the fringe radicals of each religion are louder and covered more intensely by the press, which leaves an overall negative impression of the entire religion. But tolerance means accepting that other religions have strong positive messages, instructions to be better people and help others, and to be an influence for good and justice in the world.

I say all this because Ramadan, the book, demystifies Islam in many ways, and lets us see that most Muslims align more closely with ideals that all of society agrees are important: be kind, give to others, empathize with others and aid them, be humble, love others, etc. The book covers why Muslims participate in certain activities during Ramadan: because Mohammed emphasized these things as major concepts of Islam.

The stories about other children enjoyed (and what they found difficult – who hasn’t fallen asleep during a long talk when they were tired?), the examples of important activities, and the explanation of the basics about Islam and the details of the month of Ramadan will help children from elementary school through high school have a better understanding of not only Ramadan, but Muslims.

Readers will learn that Islam at its roots is not about judging others as non-Muslims, but has many positive precepts. They will learn that Ramadan is not just a time for fasting and feasting, but a time to give to and care for others, whether it’s friends and family or members of the local community. There is much that can be learned by studying this Islamic tradition, not the least of which is that we can all identify with what Muslims hold as important: family, friends, and a love for others that means reaching out and helping others through charity, works, giving, and sharing time and festivities. You can tell much about a culture through its holidays, and Ramadan is no exception.

There are details from what clothing the children would wear, what they would eat and recipes for some foods, to the activites they woudl attend. Overall, just a really great overview of Ramadan and Islam. Very highly recommended.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

From Ausma's adorable honesty regarding her first attempt at fasting to the divine recipes to featuring Ibtihaj Muhammad's experience of maintaining both her religious practice and her fencing, this was a delight!

An excellent book on this ancient discipline that unites many under the umbrella of spiritual worship. Excellent photography and descriptions.